National Beer Day is celebrated in the United States every year on April 7, marking the day that the Cullen–Harrison Act came into force after having been signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on March 22, 1933. This led to the Eighteenth Amendment being repealed on December 5, 1933, with the ratification of the Twenty-first Amendment. April 6, the day prior to National Beer Day, is known as New Beer’s Eve.
People across the country responded by gathering outside breweries, some beginning the night before. On that first day, 1.5 million barrels of beer were consumed, inspiring the future holiday. Today, April 7 is recognized as National Beer Day, and April 6 is known as New Beer’s Eve. The Cullen-Harrison Act was not the official end of prohibition in the U.S. (that happened on December 5, 1933, when the 21st Amendment was ratified). As such, April 7 is a beer-specific holiday, as opposed to Repeal Day, celebrated on December 5.
There are many ways to celebrate National Beer Day. You can visit your local brewery or taproom, attend a beer festival, or simply enjoy a cold one at home with friends and family. No matter how you choose to celebrate, make sure to raise a glass to the world’s oldest and most popular alcoholic beverage!
Here are some fun facts about beer:
- Beer is the third most popular drink in the world, after water and tea.
- The average American drinks about 25 gallons of beer per year.
- There are over 150 different types of beer brewed in the United States.
- The first beer was brewed in Mesopotamia over 5,000 years ago.
- Beer is made from four basic ingredients: water, barley, hops, and yeast.
- Beer is a good source of B vitamins, including niacin, riboflavin, and folate.
- Beer can help to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
- Beer is a social drink that can bring people together.
So raise a glass and cheers to National Beer Day!
